Genesis  oil, 36 by 24 inches on stretched canvas, was finished January 4, 2003. It is the painting that convinced me that I should shift my primary focus from welded steel sculpture to oil painting. The Navajos are a matriarchal society where women are the heads, providers, and nurturers of the household. Life begins with them. The bound hair, velvet blouse, silver conchos, fluted, calico skirt, and prized Pendelton blanket are all iconic to the Navajo, but today, are more ceremonial than common. A traditional hogan is an octagonal structure of stone and mud with a log and sod roof. Illuminated only by natural light, always from an east- facing door, and a smoke hole in the ceiling, it was the place where families were raised and food was prepared. It is significant to note that this is one of only six canvases that my father prepared and then set-aside, sometime in the 60s, that we found following his death, from Alzheimers, on September 30, 2002. At first, I couldnt understand why he would go to the trouble to stretch a canvas, gesso it, layout a drawing on it and then not paint it, but store it for almost 40 years! As I painted though, I became convinced it was something he intentionally prepared for me to do. I could almost feel his presence and pleasure in seeing his son pick up his brushes to discover a most remarkable gift of talent, one that he knew existed all along. It is the genesis of my series titled Unforgettable. © John Watt 2003  artist retains all rights to any reproductions of this original art.